The new Doctor Who has its share of cheesiness, because it's a program for the entire family and the younger viewers like a bit of cheesiness. Besides, it's usually funny (how can you not love cuddly but evil green aliens who masquerade as humans and are distinguishable by the fact that they fart a lot) and doesn't overwhelm the stories.

Torchwood is darker in tone, because it was made for an adult audience. The special effects are a bit ropey on occasion, because the BBC didn't have that much of a budget. There is one episode in the first season (No. 4) where the costume design for the villain of the week moves deep into cheesiness territory and which a lot of people hate for that reason alone (the SF community hated Torchwood with a passion, because it featured people kissing and having sex. Sometimes even with people of their own gender). However, the story is also very powerful emotionally, as long as you can overlook ridiculous costume design.

Do stay away from season 2, though, especially if you like series that end well, because this one first descends into a mess and then does horrible things to its main characters.

If you're looking for something long (run time: 1335 minutes for the series!) I loved The Pallisers, a 1970s era BBC adaptation of Anthony Trollope. The sets are pretty cheesy (Switzerland, if I recall, is played by a painted backdrop) but I loved the costumes and the acting is darn good. My mom, my sister, and I were clutching each other and crying at the end.

I've also heard good things about some BBC Robin Hood series, but I don't know anything about it... anybody with recs?

If you're looking for something long (run time: 1335 minutes for the series!) I loved The Pallisers, a 1970s era BBC adaptation of Anthony Trollope. The sets are pretty cheesy (Switzerland, if I recall, is played by a painted backdrop) but I loved the costumes and the acting is darn good. My mom, my sister, and I were clutching each other and crying at the end.

I've also heard good things about some BBC Robin Hood series, but I don't know anything about it... anybody with recs?

Thanks for the rec, Nana! If the story and characters are good, I can overlook 70's cheesiness (quite a use of that word on this thread, recently, lol). Oh, has anyone watched UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS. I've always wondered about that series.

I watched two or three episodes of the new Robin Hood and then dropped out. It was certainly an interesting, albeit very politicized take on the old legend, but the blatant historical inaccuracies just annoyed the hell out of me. Besides, it would take something very special indeed to replace Robin of Sherwood and the Erroll Flynn Robin Hood in my heart.

Upstairs Downstairs is of course excellent. Another great piece of historical Brit TV from the same era is The Onedin Line, a family saga focussing on the rise of a Liverpool shipping company from the 1850s to the 1970s/1880s. The production values are excellent for the time, plus a lot of scenes are shot on actual historical ships. And there is a lot of romance, for example the series begins with a marriage of convenience, poor but dashing young Captain marries spinster in order to get his hands on a ship owned by
her father, that gradually turns into love.

Oh, The Onegin Line... That was fantastic and romantic in an understated way - harked back to the time when women in TV series could win their man's love through competence and character rather than looks. And the whole shipping line storyline was fascinating, as well as the requisite class conflict.

Another Masterpiece Theatre from the same period that I'd really recommend is Poldark. Now that is swooningly romantic and the hero is just so damned gorgeous and is who I always imagine as a typical regency hero. Have a lookee:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akAIxe2Dv5U

Back to American TV, MAD MEN is my first recommendation - it's beyond words - you just have to watch it. If you havne't already seen it, ROME is also a lot of fun - much better than THE TUDORS. VERONICA MARS is also good, as is GILMORE GIRLS._________________"Socialism to help sick people - bad.
Socialism to help billionaires - good."

Oh, The Onegin Line... That was fantastic and romantic in an understated way - harked back to the time when women in TV series could win their man's love through competence and character rather than looks. And the whole shipping line storyline was fascinating, as well as the requisite class conflict.

Sounds interesting, but it's not on Netflix, unfortunately.

Quote:

Another Masterpiece Theatre from the same period that I'd really recommend is Poldark. Now that is swooningly romantic and the hero is just so damned gorgeous and is who I always imagine as a typical regency hero. Have a lookee:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akAIxe2Dv5U

I loved Poldark. I have it both taped off my TV when PBS reran it years ago and I bought the first (and maybe second) season(s) on videotape. (I can't remember. ) I wish they'd sell it here in the U.S. on DVD. They only have it in DVD for Europe.

p.s. This is why I sometimes disappear from the boards for months on end. I stop reading because my TV swallows me whole. [/quote]

Little late on this one, but I've been watching the Sex and the City series...mostly on my laptop. My daughter owns the entire series and left it home when she went to college. I had seen various shows out of order, but find it interesting to follow the entire series. I am halfway through Season 4...who knew John Corbitt was so darn cute!! Anyway, I am enjoying it a lot.

edited to correct...Sex AND the City. ***sigh***...I don't know why...I always make that mistake. (And instead of IN)

Last edited by xina on Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:05 pm; edited 1 time in total

I didn't see anyone mention Burn Notice. Only in it's second season, but really good. The tension between Fiona and Michael is great and with Bruce Campbell as the pal and Sharon Gless as the mother it's a winner for me.

My Name Is Earl is also really funny, especially in the first season.

If you want to go old, Gidget is marvelous._________________Angsty romance with scattered humor.
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